How to protect yourself

What can members of the public do?

While it is rare, there have been cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza causing disease in humans. More often, this occurs when people have had close contact with infected birds.

For more information, please visit this BC Centre for Disease Control page.

Avoid contact

The federal Centre for Disease Control recommends people avoid direct contact with wild birds or other animals they suspect might be infected, especially sick or dead wild birds.

Report dead birds

If you see dead wild birds, report them to BC’s Bird Health line – found on the link below.
This is separate from the CFIA number for farm reporting.

Follow biosecurity guidelines

If you have a backyard flock and must have contact with birds, follow the biosecurity rules developed by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. Prevent contact with wild birds, practice good cleaning, watch for symptoms, limit visitors’ exposure, and keep new birds separate for a time.

Any bird owners are legally required to notify authorities of avian influenza.